Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close at night, without risking safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their sleeping arrangements. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those who have limitations in mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space, resulting in gaps that could lead to the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to get caught. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can create an entrapment risk. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. In bedside travel crib , bedside cribs should have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up in the night, pick a bedding that is simple to wash and dries. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper while you're away on vacation or visiting grandparents.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib or toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks to allow your child to be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach out to take care of their child at night. It could also come with a tilt function to help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is recommended to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to choose these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to make space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, which could cause it to move or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet could cause your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child easily during the night. They are generally larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which will reduce the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your baby, but this can result in SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to shield your baby from smoke from other rooms. Plunket can assist with a bassinet or crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to buy or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, particularly if older cribs have damaged or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be hazardous for your baby. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, be sure to check whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses as well as present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.